Spiked Apple Cider

Table of Contents

1. Spiked Apple Cider Ingredients
2. Substitutions And Additions
3. How To Make This Spiked Apple Cider Recipe
4. How To Serve
5. Storage
6. Why We Love This Recipe
7. Spiked Apple Cider Frequently Asked Questions
8. More Recipes You’ll Love
9. JUMP TO RECIPE
10. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This spiked apple cider offers the perfect harmony of fresh apple sweetness and warming spices. The complexity of flavors from cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of orange zest make this drink a delightful treat, enhanced by a splash of your preferred spirit for a warm and comforting drink.

What You Need To Know

Main Ingredients: Fresh apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, bourbon, spiced rum.

Quick Steps: Simmer apple cider with spices and orange slices for 20-30 minutes, add alcohol, stir to combine and serve warm in mugs.

Estimated Time and Yield: 30 minutes, Yield: 6-8 servings.

Why Our Recipe: While many traditional spiked ciders stick to apples alone, we introduced fresh oranges to this recipe for a hint of brightness. The citrus complements the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the spices, creating a well-rounded, multi-dimensional flavor.

This small addition, carefully tested by our recipe developers, adds an unexpected twist that elevates the drink beyond the ordinary.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the cider. This will release their essential oils and deepen the flavor, giving your cider a richer, more aromatic taste.

Spiked Apple Cider Ingredients

The star of our recipe, apple cider, provides a sweet and tangy base that’s enhanced by the other ingredients.

The cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cider and a beautiful pop of color.

The brandy gives our cider its “spiked” quality, adding a warm and robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the cider.

Substitutions And Additions

CLOVES: Whole cloves may be used instead of ground cloves. Replace it with 3 whole cloves.

SWEETER VERSION: If you prefer a sweeter version, whisk a quarter cup cup of granulated sugar into the apple cider prior to heating it.

APPLE CIDER: If you can’t find apple cider, unfiltered apple juice can be a good substitute for this hot apple cider cocktail. It has a similar sweet-tart flavor that works well in this recipe.

BRANDY: If brandy isn’t your preferred spirit, you can substitute it with rum or your favorite whiskey. Both options will add a different but equally delicious twist to your cider.

How To Make This Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

Creating this spiked cider is a simple process that fills your home with the comforting aroma of warm spices. Here’s how to do it:

STEP ONE: In a medium saucepan, mix together the cider, cranberries, cloves, allspice berries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. 

STEP TWO: Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat immediately to the lowest setting.

STEP THREE: Cover and cook on low for an hour, stirring every 20 mins.

STEP FOUR: Remove from heat and stir in the brandy.

STEP FIVE: Serve warm.

How To Serve

Our spiked apple cider has warm, spiced flavors, making it a perfect companion for many fall and winter dishes. 

Serve this warm drink alongside a hearty stew or chili. The robust flavors of these dishes pair wonderfully with the sweet and spiced notes of the cider.

For dessert, consider serving a warm mug of this perfect fall cocktail with apple pie or a caramel apple cheesecake.

As a quintessentially autumnal drink, our spiked apple cider would fit right in with the traditional Thanksgiving fare.

The warm spices in this cider are also reminiscent of traditional Christmas flavors, making it a fitting choice for the holiday season.

Our homemade apple cider is a non-alcoholic version of this tasty cocktail, while our pumpkin spice latte is another fall favorite.

Storage

Our mulled cider is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the cider as instructed, but don’t add the brandy.

Store the cider in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, heat it up and stir in the brandy.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover spiked apple cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to store it in a covered container.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing this warming drink recipe, as the texture and flavor of the cider could be affected.

REHEATING: To reheat the cider, simply pour it into a saucepan and warm it over low heat.

You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe container. Be sure to stir it well before serving.

Why We Love This Recipe

Our spiked apple cider is a favorite for many reasons:

EASY: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and common ingredients.

FESTIVE: The warm spices and comforting flavors make this spiked apple cider a perfect drink for fall and winter celebrations.

AROMATIC: As this cider simmers on the stove, it fills your home with a delightful aroma reminiscent of cozy autumn days.

With its warm, festive spices and irresistible flavor profile, spiked apple cider is the perfect drink for any fall or winter gathering. Whether you’re a novice cook or a busy individual, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. 

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